Pope Francis

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Mary was both Mother to the Redeemer & to the Redeemed

THE AKATHIST HYMN TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

NINTH CHANT

O Mother of God, we see the best of speakers become as mute as fish in your regard, for they could not explain how you could give birth while remaining a virgin. As for us, while marveling at the mystery, we cry out to you with faith:

Hail, O Container of God's Wisdom! Hail, O Treasury of His Providence! Hail, O Reproof of foolish philosophers! Hail, O Confusion of speechless wise men! Hail, for you perplexed the inquisitive minds! Hail, for you dried up the inventors of myths! Hail, for you ripped the Athenians' meshes! Hail, for you filled the Fishermen's nets! Hail, O Retriever from the Abyss of Ignorance! Hail, O Lamplight of Knowledge to many! Hail, O Ship for those who seek Salvation! Hail, O Harbor for the Sailors of Life! Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!

[RESPONSE]: Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!

KONTAKION

Desiring to save the world, the Creator of All came down to it of His own will. Being at the same time our Shepherd and our God, He appeared among us. And so the like called upon the like, and as God He heard: "Alleluia!"

[RESPONSE]: Alleluia!

TENTH CHANT

O Virgin Mother of God, you are the strength of Virgins and of all those who have recourse to you. For the Maker of heaven and earth covered you with His shadow, O Pure One, and came to dwell in your womb, and taught us all to cry out to you:

Hail, O Pillar of Virginity! Hail, O Gateway of Salvation! Hail, O Principle of the New Creation! Hail, O Dispenser of God's bounties! Hail, for you restored those born in shame! Hail, for you gave sense to those who had lost it! Hail, O you who stopped the corruptor of minds! Hail, O you who bore the Sower of Chastity! Hail, Holy Chamber of virginal wedlock! Hail, O you who join the faithful with God! Hail, O gracious Foster-Mother of virgins! Hail, O Bridesmaid of holy souls! Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!

[RESPONSE]: Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!

KONTAKION

Because He wished to grant release from all the ancient debts, the One who pays men's dues came down Himself to those who had spurned His grace; He tore up their obligations, and heard from all of them this cry: "Alleluia!"